On the day you were born, I sat in the hospital watching "Weeds," and wading through the pitocin contractions for you to come. I finally decided I was ready for an epidural, but you had other plans. The nurses scrambled, looking for a doctor on the floor, but one was not there. Finally, they found a midwife, who rushed into the room, scrubbing up. After four pushes, you took your first breath in this world. You weighed 7 lbs 4 ounces and only 18 1/2 inches long. The nurse placed you on my belly, and you blinked up at me with darkish blue eyes, and I cried. I couldn't believe how small and beautiful you were. Your little head fit in the palm of my hand.
For the first few months you were home, I could not believe you were a little girl. I would pick out your outfits, and I would stare in wonder at you. From day one, you went with the flow though. You were content to take naps in the car, change your schedule on a whim, and go with the flow as I drove your brother around everywhere for his summer break. People used to think you were a doll when I would carry you in my arms.
You nursed well, loved your pacifier, and became quickly attached to your blanket like your mother and your brother before you. You learned how to smile, and we learned how to melt. You sat up around seven months old, all the better to see the world. At your baptism, you could barely stay awake, but afterwards we snapped some photos of you, and you look like a little cherub with chubby little cheeks.
You crawled around nine months, but have always been content to crawl close to me. When you started walking, you held onto my pinkie finger with your little hand, so you could remain close to me. When Son Number One walked into the room, your bright blue eyes always lit up. He would hold you close, and you would look up at him like he could do no wrong. There's a little more sibling rivalry with Son Number Two, but now you are learning how to play with him!
On your first birthday, you were so tired and unhappy. We brought out the cake, and you simultaneously dipped your fingers into the frosting, licking your fingers, and crying and then smiling. You didn't know how to react, overwhelmed by all the people in the house, and the exhaustion taking over your small body.
And then the year seemed to fly by. You started walking. We were worried about your talking. You could say a few words, but they were garbled up a bit. We made an appointment, and realized you needed tubes. We took you to the surgery center, and even though I knew the surgery was so minor, it was hard to hand you over. You screamed and cried, as I handed you to the nurse, but within thirty minutes you were back, safe in my arms. My sunshine...
After the tubes, you started talking more. And now, you can talk in full sentences. Your favorite sentence is, "More, Mommy, please!" You are a big eater and will try everything. You try to keep up with your brothers, every day, running after them, tackling them, giving them sweet baby kisses.
You have a lot of stranger anxiety, but over the last few days I've seen you open up more to some of the people who have been constants in your live. You know exactly what you want, and despite LOVING to sit on Mommy's lap every day, you can be completely independent. If someone takes something you want, you have no fear of having a huge tantrum on the floor, and then once you get what you want, you wipe the tears from your eyes, take it, and act like nothing has happened.
You will always be my sweet baby. Happy Birthday to my beautiful, two year old girl! I love you.
So sweet. :) She's gorgeous!
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